Thai Singer Chayada Prao-hom Dies After Massage Complications
Bangkok: Thai luk thung and mor lam singer Chayada Prao-hom tragically passed away on Sunday (December 8), following complications linked to multiple massage sessions. The 20-year-old artist from Udon Thani province, under Guitar Record, died at 6:00 AM in a local hospital from a blood infection and brain swelling, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
Chayada’s health issues reportedly began after visiting a massage shop for a backache following a performance on October 5. Her boyfriend revealed she sought treatment at the shop three times, with neck-twisting techniques applied during the first two sessions. Chayada initially dismissed her symptoms, including numbness and pain, attributing them to routine post-massage discomfort.
However, her condition deteriorated rapidly. By November, she experienced severe numbness, tingling, and partial paralysis, leaving her unable to care for herself. In a Facebook post on November 6, Chayada shared her struggles and warned others about the risks of unregulated massages. Despite her optimism about recovery, her health worsened significantly by mid-November.
Health authorities, including the Department of Health Service Support (HSS), are investigating whether the massage shop adhered to licensing and proper standards. Experts, including Prof. Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha, have warned about the dangers of forceful neck manipulations, which can damage arteries supplying blood to the brain, increasing the risk of strokes and nerve injuries.
Chayada’s death has sparked a broader discussion about regulating massage practices in Thailand to prevent such incidents in the future.